Maxton, N.C. — Many units can pack their equipment in military vehicles and set up a tactical operation center at a variety of locations throughout the Fort Bragg training areas. When it comes to mobilizing a unit whose primary mission is to fly helicopters however, the logistics of mobility takes a bit more planning.

The 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade requires airfield infrastructure such as flight lines and hangars to provide ground troops with air support. While the brigade’s troopers can provide training support and practice flying techniques from Simmons Army Airfield, like any other military unit, it is important for them to rehearse the deployment process of unit movement and establishing an operations center.

The remote field training gives 2-82 ASLT commander Lt. Col. Bryan Chivers and his troopers an opportunity to rehearse operations in a more realistic scenario.

“When you are in this type of environment, you find out what you really need to complete the mission,” Chivers said. “When we are on base it is not as realistic. We have to be able to move from one location to another, set up and ensure continuity to support any mission.”

Capt. Author Sandlin, Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander, 2-82 ASLT, led the battalion in the logistics and primary set up of the training site.

“It starts with finding the right place that will allow us to operate our helicopters while being able to establish full security and communications with the brigade headquarters and units we are here to support,” Sandlin said. “There is much more that goes into this type of set up versus being on the main base.”

“This is where we put all of our training to support various missions to the test,” said 1st Sgt. Robben Kadish, Troop A, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd CAB.

Once the operations center and communication is established, troopers can also train for obstacles they may face in a deployed environment.

“One of the ways we train while out in the field is to conduct side training such as learning to decontaminate a vehicle and equipment in the event of a chemical attack or when entering a chemical environment,” said 1st Lt. Duane Nixon, chemical officer in charge, 2-82 ASLT. “It is one of the ways we maintain readiness in case this type of situation occurs.”

The deployment rehearsal offered the Corsair troopers valuable insight they can use to help maintain readiness for future training events and missions.

“We take so much away from this training event that will make us more proficient as we continue to maintain our readiness for the next mission,” Chivers said.

From the motor pool to the kitchen, Task Force Corsair support troopers worked around the clock to sustain the aviators’ ongoing missions during the exercise.